It is common for homeowners to face multiple odds, like screws, tape, and switches. Sometimes, you may find out that an old switch is not working. The reason could be that you are using a 3-way switch for a single pole.
You can use a 3-way switch for a single pole switch by converting it to a single pole switch. To convert it, disconnect one traveler wire out of the two, use a wire connector, and cap it to make it spare. This procedure will turn your 3-way switch into a single pole.
You should consult an electrician before you wire such a setting. This article will explain the differences between a 3-way and single pole switch, the steps of wiring a 3-way switch for a single pole, and where to use such settings.
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This post includes some affiliate links.What is the difference between a 3-way switch and a single pole switch?
The 3-way and single pole switches look almost the same, but there is a big difference where you can differentiate them.
Single pole
The single pole switches have ON and OFF markings.
If you observe the switches closely, you will find that the single-pole switches have 2 brass hot screw terminals.
One terminal is for the power source, and the other is for the load. Some single poles also contain a green terminal.
For home wiring, the hot wire from the supply will be connected to one terminal, and the fixture’s hot wire will be connected to the other.
Both will be black wires.
The neutral wire will be spliced inside the box and bypass the switch.
So, there won’t be any silver terminals.
Single pole switches are used in the house light circuits to control multiple light fixtures, for example, from the entrance to the room, from one location.
3-way switch
A 3-way switch does not have any ON or OFF markings.
The 3-way switches are used in conjunction with another 3-way switch to power one light future, which requires different level positions.
A 3-way switch contains two hot screw terminals and one common screw terminal.
It will have two brass terminals, the same as the single pole.
The position would be opposite and not vertically placed.
Additionally, the 3-way switch will have a black terminal to connect the switch to another 3-way switch with the third wire.
After you wire them properly, both switches can control the fixture.
You will also need to run a 3-wire conductor between the switches to connect the black screws.
The conductor will have an extra red wire called the traveler wire.
Each switch in the 3-way will have two physical positions, but it can change from on to off based on the other switch’s position.
3-way switches are used for controlling multiple lights from multiple locations.
How do I wire a 3-way switch for a single pole?
You cannot use a 3-way switch directly for a single pole.
To use it, you should convert it and then use it for a single pole switch.
You must wire the switch properly and connect the wires to the correct terminals.
Otherwise, wrong wiring will not let the switch work and may lead to dangerous issues.
Things required:
- Screwdrivers
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Wire connectors
- Caps
Here are the steps to wire a 3-ways switch for a single pole:
- Turn off the power at the main breaker and open the outlet of the switch you want to convert.
- Check the wires using a non-contact voltage tester to confirm that the power is off.
- If the switch is a 3-way switch, you will find 3 terminals.
- You do not require all the terminals in the 3-way switch when you want to use it for a single pole switch.
- Take a close look at the switch, and you will find 2 travelers present across from each other on the switch’s body. The common one will be under or above the travelers.
- The two terminals you use will be the common and one traveler on the same side of the switch body.
- Unscrew and disconnect the other traveler and cover it with electrical tape or install a wire connector to make it a spare and prevent its future use.
- Disconnecting the wires will ensure the electricity won’t flow through them and create a short circuit. After that, you can use it as a standard single-pole wire.
- Connect the hot wire from the main power source to the common terminal and the hot wire from the fixture to the uncovered traveler.
- Splice the white return wires together and secure them with a cap.
- Clamp and twist the bare ground wires together and connect them to the green ground terminal.
- Turn the power back to check the switch.
If you hesitate to make the wire connections, hire a professional to deal with it.
One advantage of calling professionals is that they can do it correctly without making any expensive damage.
Methods of converting a 3-way switch to a single pole switch
The above-explained procedure is the most common procedure of wiring a 3-way switch as a single pole.
There are a few other ways to convert a 3-way switch to use it for the single pole switch:
- Single pole switch on the line side and blank cover on the load side
- Single pole switch on the load side and blank cover on the line side
- Single pole switch on the line side, outlet on the load side
- Single pole switch on the load side and outlet on the line side.
Single pole switch on the line side
In the line side of the outlet box, remove the one traveler wire from the 3-way switch and install a wire connector to spare it.
Cap the other end of the wire in the load side box.
On the load side, remove the switch and attach the wire connector to the other end of the spare traveler wire.
Connect the 3-way switch’s common wire to the other traveler and supply switched line voltage to the light.
Install the blank cover on the load side.
Single pole switch on the load side
Remove the 3-way switch from the line side.
Connect the line wire to one of the travelers with a wire connector to supply voltage to the 3-way switch to the load side.
Install the wire connector to the other traveler, make it spare, and install a blank cover on the box.
Remove the spare traveler from the load side’s switch and attach a wire connector for connecting.
Single pole switch on the line side and outlet on the load side
Remove one traveler from the 3-way switch on the line side.
Connect it with a wire connector to the line wire and the wire that connects to the common terminal in the 3-way switch.
On the load side, remove the 3-way switch.
Connect the traveler wire in the line side box to the wire going to the light with a wire connector.
Connect the other traveler from the line box to the outlet line terminal. Connect the neutral wire to its terminal in the outlet.
Outlet on the load side and single pole on the line side
Remove the 3-way switch on the line side.
Connect the line wire to one traveler wire with a wire connector and the wire connecting the line side of the outlet.
Install a wire connector to the other traveler to make it useless.
Connect the neutral wire to the outlet’s neutral side.
What are the pros and cons of using a 3-way switch for a single pole?
People prefer single pole switches over 3-way switches because the former’s wiring is easier.
If you have a 3-way switch but need a single-pole switch, you can convert it to use it for a single-pole switch.
The process will have some merits and demerits.
Pros
If you have converted your 3-way switch to using it for a single switch, you will face some advantages:
- The switch will become reliable for usage in maximum applications.
- You can use it for higher voltages and currents.
- Since a single-pole switch is getting costly, you do not have to buy it for use.
- You can control multiple switches with one switch.
Cons
Since you will be using a 3-way switch for a single pole, there will be a few disadvantages:
- If you are a beginner, you may hesitate while wiring and end up with the wrong wire connections.
- If wired incorrectly, your electrical system will damage.
- Wiring is complicated for some people.
- Since you will turn a 3-way switch to a single pole, you may not have the ON and OFF markings.
Safety considerations while using a 3-way switch for the single pole
While using a 3-way switch for the single pole, you should follow certain safety measures to make the connection successful and secure:
- Since you will convert the 3-way switch to use it for the single pole switch, you need to make a few wire connections. Make sure you are wiring them in the right terminal. Wrong connections will damage the electrical system.
- While wiring, you will disconnect one traveler wire to make the switch a single pole. You should use a wire connector and cap the disconnected traveler wire to prevent electrical accidents and the electric current from flowing.
- Make sure to secure the wires properly. Check the wiring again before you start running the switch.
- Before starting the wiring, turn off the main power source and the breaker supporting the switch. Check with a voltage tester for assurance.
- Fasten and secure the wire connections properly. Double-check if needed to avoid loose connections.
- Wear protective gear and gloves while working and avoid any moisture around you or the switch on which will be working.
- Since you will use the 3-way as a single pole, anything wrong can cause a short circuit. For safety, ensure that you have properly secured the bare ground wire to prevent any electrical accidents.
Where can I use a 3-way switch for a single pole?
Single pole switches are mainly used to control one or a group of lights from a single location.
These are mostly used for household purposes. The application remains the same if you use a 3-way switch for a single pole.
The single pole switching of the 120VAC supply requires a single pole switch for power.
Some common applications are:
- Floor lamp
- Stereo
- Video system
- Closet
- Bathroom
Some single pole switches are also made for industrial purposes:
- Heavy-duty machinery
- Metal bending and cutting
- Laser machines.
Final thoughts
The main differences between a 3-way switch and a single pole switch are the ON and OFF switches and the terminals. The 3-way switches do not have any ON and OFF terminals, but they have extra terminals than the single-pole switches.
If you want to use a 3-way switch for a single pole, you should turn it to a single pole and then use it. To convert it, disconnect one traveler wire out of the two, use a wire connector, and cap it to make it spare. This procedure will turn your 3-way switch into a single pole.
Ensure to wire correctly, or the switch won’t work and damage your electrical systems. You can use this switch for most households and a few commercial purposes, for example, light switches, bathrooms, closets, laser machines, and other heavy-duty appliances.
Can I use a 3-way switch as a regular switch?
You can do it, but you won’t have the ON and OFF markings as you get in the single pole switch.
Do I need to ground all the light switches?
The switches do not need grounding if the junction box is metal and grounded. But, some house owners ground the switches too to add an extra protective layer to prevent electrical accidents.
Reference: Wikipedia.
